Savannah River Mission Completion Welcomes Third Student Worker from USCA LIFE Program
- Dara Glass
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
AIKEN, S.C. (November 18, 2025) — Savannah River Mission Completion (SRMC) has hired its third student from the University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA) LIFE Program, emphasizing SRMC’s dedication to providing meaningful employment opportunities to students with intellectual disabilities.
Jesse Reyes, a junior at USCA, will work part-time for SRMC’s Laboratories assembling vial caps for new vials that are vital to SRMC’s mission. These sample vials were ordered to replace previous ones that are no longer manufactured.
The new vials require specific caps equipped with a septum and O-rings to prevent leakage during use. The design demands the assembly of individual components, ensuring precise positioning and functionality.
With a keen interest in model train assembly and a passion for hands-on-work, Reyes will take on the task of assembling 12,000 caps this year, providing the lab with a four-year supply of these essential components.
According to SRMC Laboratory Director Melissa Santaella-Ramos, this initiative not only generates significant cost savings but also frees up full-time lab technicians to focus on other mission-critical tasks.
“Supporting the program has proven beneficial to all parties involved—the USCA LIFE program, the student worker Jesse, and SRMC. We are pleased to collaborate with the USCA and support this vital initiative,” Santaella-Ramos said. “We are honored to provide students with real-world work experiences that empower them to develop skills and connections for meaningful careers.”
Dr. Melissa Martin, the USCA LIFE Program Director, highlighted the comprehensive educational experience provided to students: “Our students engage in USCA courses alongside LIFE Program-specific courses. They are first and foremost USCA students, and we want them to enjoy all the opportunities our university offers, including social events, clubs, and Greek life. Our staff is dedicated to helping students complete job applications and prepare for a fulfilling, independent life.”
The USCA LIFE Program is a two-year initiative that offers individual support and services to students with intellectual disabilities, focusing on their academic and social inclusion. By providing essential skills for gainful employment, the program helps students integrate person-centered planning and acquire meaning credentials. Upon completion of the two-year program, students can be invited back to complete the Leadership & Civic Engagement (LCE) program for an additional two years. These students live alone in dorms on campus and complete the required coursework to earn the USCA Leadership Certificate. Jesse is enrolled in the LCE program.
SRMC is the Liquid Waste Contractor at the Savannah River Site and comprises parent company BWX Technologies, Inc. with partners Amentum and Fluor. Its team brings the capabilities necessary to accelerate cleanup at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site through safe nuclear operations, optimized and integrated mission execution, and strong corporate governance.
The University of South Carolina Aiken is a regional university offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees and certifications across more than 70 academic concentrations to approximately 4,000 students. USCA is recognized as a top Regional Comprehensive Public University in the South and attracts students from almost 40 states and more than 20 countries.
Media Contact
Dara Glass
(803) 208-3704